Summary: National Guard Recruit Struggles
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 5:09 a.m. ET
THE NUMBERS: Nationally, the Army Guard reached 88 percent of its goal of 56,000 recruits this year, signing up 49,210. Ohio was about 500 off its target; Iowa down about 130.
THE REASONS: Concerns about the war in Iraq and possible long overseas deployment; Pentagon orders that keep some soldiers from leaving active duty and going into the guard; and turnover among recruiters.
THE NEW INCENTIVES: More signing bonuses. Free hunting and fishing licenses. Pink T-shirts for female recruits.
